Friday 25 March 2011 08.44 EDT
First published on Friday 25 March 2011 08.44 EDT

Alongside the thousands of experienced trade unionists and veteran activists on Saturday's anti-cuts march, organisers are expecting many first-time protesters and parents with young families to join the demonstration.

• Most important, according to the TUC, is the choice of footwear. The route of the march is nearly three miles long so comfortable shoes are essential.

•Although forecasters say the weather should stay dry, old hands in the union movement say it is best to be prepared for the odd shower. On the other hand the TUC says people should also be prepared to be out in the sun for several hours and bring sunscreen and if possible a hat.

• The march is due to begin forming up at 11am at Victoria Embankment but despite the numbers expected people should avoid the temptation to get their early – or even "on time". According to the TUC people are still likely to be crossing the start line on the Embankment at 2pm so organisers are calling on people to stagger their arrival times between 10.30am and 1.30pm.

•The size of the demonstration – somewhere in the region of 200,000 – means many roads in central London will be closed so people are being advised to make their way to the start by public transport. Protesters should join the rear of the march using stations such as Southwark, Mansion House, Farringdon and Bank. Once they arrive they will be directed by one of the 1,500 TUC stewards on duty on the day.

• Stewards will be wearing orange, yellow or red high visibility jackets. The TUC is urging everyone to listen to the stewards who are "there to ensure that we all have a safe and effective demonstration".

It is also advising people to avoid any of the unofficial "feeder marches" which are planned to start at different points around London and which will not be stewarded by unions.

"It is important that you follow all instructions given by stewards," said a spokesman. "If you follow the advice of the stewards and remain with the main demonstration then you are highly unlikely to have any problems."

• To keep up with the latest information on the demonstration people can follow the Guardian's live blog which will be providing updates throughout the day, or follow the TUC and Scotland Yard on twitter – @march26march and @CO11MetPolice respectively. Police have also launched a texting service – to register free of charge, text the word police to 83123, and receive updates throughout Saturday.

• The front of the march is due to leave the Embankment at noon arriving at Hyde Park for the rally at around 1.30pm. The rally will continue until about 4.30pm and there will be an array of speakers, films and three short music breaks. Because of the large numbers expected on the day, the TUC estimates that people will still be arriving in the park at 4pm – and possibly even after that.

• During the rally there will be a number of short breaks to give early arrivals an opportunity to leave and a chance for latecomers to get closer to the stage.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said he was looking forward to a "huge, united and good-natured event, giving all those who want to oppose the government's deep, rapid and unfair spending cuts the opportunity to speak out".

He added: "The sheer size of the event means that marchers need to make sensible plans for the day, working out their routes there and back home, and bringing a packed lunch and water. The best tip of all is to visit the special march website and read all the detailed advice on that."